Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pension Provision.

Ulick Burke

Question:

281 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science if transferability of pension entitlements will be granted for teachers who have given service in both Northern Ireland and here; if reciprocal pension arrangements will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13666/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The position is that, currently, there are no arrangements in place to cater for the transfer of pensionable service to or from public bodies in Northern Ireland.

The public service transfer scheme, which is administered by the Department of Finance, provides for the transfer of service, on a reciprocal basis, between participating organisations. Any organisation in the public or private sector, including organisations outside the State, is free to participate in the scheme provided it is prepared to accept the obligations of membership including the liability to make contributions, where necessary, towards the ultimate cost of serving benefits.

I am informed that the European Commission is, to date, the only organisation outside the State with whom a transfer arrangement has been agreed. The question of the superannuation arrangements which will apply in the case of the cross border bodies is currently being examined.

With regard to service in Northern Ireland generally, the position is that the question of the transferability of superannuation rights is kept under review. The Minister for Finance has informed me that, although there are major differences between our transfer of service arrangements and those which apply in Northern Ireland, he will be happy to respond favourably to any workable proposals which emerge in this area. In the circumstances, my Department will, as a first step, be glad to explore this question further with the Ministry of Education in Northern Ireland.